Simone just turned 3 years old and has already had quite a few challenges. She spent her first 13 months in the hospital, and has had several more visits this year due to various illnesses and for surgeries due to craniosynostosis, a skull deformity; tracheomalasia, a floppy airway; and cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. Because of her fragile lung status, she has a tracheostomy, a surgically created opening in the neck leading directly to the trachea, and requires oxygen and mechanical ventilation at night. In January, Simone suffered a severe stroke during surgery and was paralyzed on her right side. With the help of therapists at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Simone has regained most of what she lost. She is an extremely happy, social child who continues to make strides developmentally, including learning her letters and colors. Simone and her family are grateful for the expert medical care she has received and cherish their close bonds with staff members at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.
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06/25/2012
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2012 FAD Twitter Feed
Cheer for the All-Stars
- Children's hospital patients and their families are traveling from across the U.S. for the Children's Hospital Association's Family Advocacy Day, July 23-25, 2012. They will tell Congress about the importance of children's health care coverage and health issues. This site will feature a different participating child each week until the event. Leave a comment and cheer on our All-Stars for children's health!
About Family Advocacy Day
- In its eighth year, the Children's Hospital Association 2012 Family Advocacy Day brings patients from children's hospitals and their families to tell their stories to lawmakers on Captiol Hill. Find out more about Family Advocacy Day.
With All Our Might Policy Blog
- Check out our health policy blog With All Our Might. To contribute a blog post as a 2012 Family Advocacy Day participant, please contact Justin Beland at 703-797-6063.
- Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in individual posts are strictly those of the author(s) and in no way represent those of N.A.C.H. N.A.C.H. assumes no liability for the information therein and extends no implied or expressed warranty or guarantee of accuracy. The receipt of unsolicited ideas by N.A.C.H. does not obligate N.A.C.H. to keep these ideas confidential, nor does it obligate N.A.C.H. to pay the person who submits them.
© N.A.C.H. 2007
My son Lamar was room mates with Simone at Mt Washington and despite all she was going thru she seem to keep a smile on her face...I'm glad to see she is doing well!!
Posted by: cortia | 07/11/2012 at 02:42 PM
I'm the Children's Hospital Association Ambassador that will be assisting you during your time in DC and I'm looking forward to meeting you and spending time with such a happy little girl! See you soon!
- Stacy Biddinger
Children's Hospital Assocaition
Posted by: Stacy | 07/11/2012 at 06:04 PM
Good luck to Simone and her family. Our family had a great time representing Mt. Washington last year. Children's hospitals are so important for children with complex medical needs. Continual support of these hospitals and their programs is crutial to the health and development of our children. Next week you will act as Simone's voice and the voice of other children with complex medical needs. Thank you for delivering such an important message.
The Pelovitz Family
Posted by: Jill Pelovitz | 07/20/2012 at 07:43 PM
Simone is so adorable and obviously filled with joy! She makes me smile. Good luck in DC, Simone and her family. You are a beautiful face for children's hospitals.
Posted by: Vikki Mioduszewski | 07/20/2012 at 08:36 PM